The Co-op community food store in Thringstone has been given a fresh new look following an investment of £110,000 - including a special new feature designed by local schoolchildren.

The Central England Co-op at The Green has received a raft of updates to give it a fresher, lighter feel and to include several new ranges and features to boost its offering to the local community.

This follows the store colleagues working around the clock to ensure vulnerable people across the community have continued to have access to vital food and essentials through the Coronavirus pandemic.

The store front now incorporates a special feature designed by schoolchildren from Thringstone Primary School, a piece of artwork portraying the well-known local ruin Grace Dieu Priory, while it is hoped brand new style external signage will be installed in the coming weeks.

The community food store's makeover has been taking place in recent weeks with other changes including:

• A brand new free hot and cold free water refill station
• New internal signage and decoration, including refreshed kiosk and till area
• New LED lighting
• A new Costa Coffee machine
• An updated product range to better reflect customers' requirements including an improved food to go range

Store Manager Kurtis Redburn said: "We are really happy with the changes to the store which have provided a fresher look and some great new features to offer our customers and members.

"It is lovely of the children at Thringstone Primary School to provide a fantastic piece of artwork which we have proudly displayed on the front of the store and we hope they enjoy seeing it every time they visit.

"It's especially nice for me as my daughter attends the school.

"I would like to thank our customers and members for their patience while the work has been taking place and we have already received some great feedback about the changes and I can't wait for everyone to see the transformation.

"It has also really given the team a well-deserved boost after they have worked tirelessly this year to support the community in these uncertain times."

The Thringstone Food Store is open every day Monday to Sunday 7am-10pm.

The store has a wide range of products from everyday necessities to something more special and also offers a free cash machine, Collect Plus/Paypoint, car park, Lottery and an in-store bakery.